---
node: dest_whitsunday_islands
type: destination
slug: whitsunday_islands
title: "Whitsunday Islands"
lead: "The Whitsundays are 74 continental islands in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, off Airlie Beach in central Queensland. Most are uninhabited national park; a handful hold resorts, and the sailing between them is the draw."
published: 2026-08-12
updated: 2026-08-12
image_file: dest_whitsunday_islands.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:06._Whiteheaven_Beach.jpg"
image_author: "Elemaki"
image_license: "CC BY-SA 3.0"
---

## Overview

The islands are the drowned peaks of a coastal range, which is why they are hilly and forested rather than flat coral cays. The sheltered water between them, the Whitsunday Passage, gives reliable trade winds and calm anchorages — the reason bareboat charter is a normal way to visit here and rare elsewhere. Fringing reef sits close to shore on many islands, so snorkelling does not require the outer reef.

## Highlights

Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet lookout are the fixed points of any itinerary. Hamilton Island has the airport and the resorts; Airlie Beach on the mainland is where boats and budget beds are. A two- or three-night sailing trip covers more than any day boat, and the Ngaro Sea Trail links island walks for those who want to go ashore.